“It is my hope that this information provides you with greater insight on how your $85 per semester activity fee was used to enhance the experiences of you and your peers,” said UPAC outgoing Chairman Jesse Scott.

Scott is one of eight students serving on the University’s 13-member SAF board and analyzed allocations in three spending categories: standing, fixed and student organizations. The most recent data for fee allocations comes from 2012-13.

The 13-member Student Activity Fee board allocates the funds among three categories.

Image: Penn State

The fixed funding represents approximately 33 percent of the fee and is used for historical financial obligations approved by the SAF board. The fee originated in 1995 to serve as a funding source for renovation, completed in 1998, of the HUB-Robeson Center while also providing supplemental funds for student-centered programming. Current fixed allocations include supporting the construction of the Student Health Services Building (completed in 2008), providing undergraduate and graduate student governments with operating budgets, and maintaining a budget for Student Legal Services.

“Most students are familiar with reduced student ticket prices for BJC concerts that happen throughout the year,” Scott said. “However, you may not be aware that SAF funds are also used by CPA to make cultural events and performing arts as affordable as possible for all students. The largest portion of standing allocations goes to SPA, which provides dozens of events each semester, including comedians, bands, the Noontime Concert Series, Distinguished Speaker Series and LateNight activities.”

In providing funds for student organizations, UPAC fielded 643 requests in 2012-13, supporting the likes of TEDxPSU, Touch of Africa, The Lion 90.7 FM, the Michigan State vs. Penn State blood drives, No Refund Theater, Pollock Pallooza, Quadzilla, Valley Magazine and The Phollegian.

For questions about UPAC, and information on requesting funds and serving as a member, email upac@psu.edu.